Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) in SoundGrid Systems

Oct 08, 2024

Learn how Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) affects SoundGrid networks and how to configure it:

Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), also known as IEEE 802.3az, is a networking standard introduced to reduce power consumption in Ethernet devices.

In mission critical, real-time applications such as audio networks, EEE might introduce performance degradation and other unexpected behavior. It can negatively affect the sync of a SoundGrid system, potentially resulting in audio drops.

Most unmanaged network switches (such as the popular Netgear GS108) have EEE enabled by default, with no option of turning it off.

Note that EEE only works if 2 devices connected together both have their individual EEE feature enabled.

Waves SoundGrid servers and I/O’s have EEE disabled by default, meaning that in most cases, EEE will not function. However, if 2 unmanaged network switches are connected together, then audio data transmitted between those 2 switches can be affected by EEE.

How can I avoid potential issues caused by EEE?

We recommend verifying that EEE is disabled on your host computer by following the steps in this article.
In a multi-switch system, such as an eMotion LV1 system that includes two consoles, one at Front-of-House and one at the monitors position, we recommend using managed network switches, where EEE can be turned off or is off by default.

Refer to the Network Switches for SoundGrid Systems page for a list of both managed and unmanaged network switches that were thoroughly tested and qualified by Waves for use in SoundGrid systems.

Need any assistance? Contact our Technical Support team.